Elections 2019: Party-wise analysis in Andhra Pradesh

With election campaigning at its peak in Andhra Pradesh, the stakes are very high this time. For Telugu Desam Party, this is an election to retain its honour. For YSR Congress, it is a make or break election. And, for Jana Sena Party, it is a pilot phase that will reflect its impact on the state. While these three are caught in a triangular contest, the Congress and the BJP also are in race to regain voters and make their presence felt. However, for every party, there are pros and cons that could tilt the scales for them.

Here’s a report card of every major political party:

Telugu Desam Party:

Pros:

Welfare schemes such as pension, input subsidy

Loan waiver and Pasupu Kumkuma scheme for women

Providing water to drought-hit Rayalaseema

Fast development and construction of buildings and infrastructure in the capital region

Brisk progress of Polavaram Project

Cons:

Inefficiency in fighting for Special Status for AP

Widespread corruption allegations

No focus or schemes focussed on private-sector employees

YSR Congress Party:

Pros:

Padayatra helped transform Jagan’s image

Emerging anti-incumbency against the ruling TDP

Strong backing of Reddy and Christian communities

BJP’s secret support

Cons:

Failure to play role of the Opposition effectively

Lack of strong party cadre & criminal cases against Jagan

Partnership with TRS

Creating law & order disturbance

Jana Sena Party:

Pros:

Promise of new-age politics and clean image

Well thought-out manifesto addressing critical focus areas

Strong backing from the Kapu community

Has potential to emerge as the Opposition Party if its growth is strategised well

Cons:

Lack of strong party cadre

Seen as a political novice & lack of administrative skills

Bharatiya Janata Party:

Pros: None

Cons:

Lack of funds for AP capital & meagre allocation for Polavaram

Not fulfilling promises in AP Reorganisation Act & that of Special Status

Adamant in helping AP financially

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image doesn’t work locally

Congress:

Pros:

Promise of special status if it comes to power

Cons:

Anger for dividing united AP as the state is still suffering its aftermath

Division has created bitterness among Telugu people

Mahaghtabandhan impact may be negligible due to lack of alliance

Report: Going by the current political trends and equations in the state, many believe that TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has an edge and will be voted to power to finish the projects he started, along with Polavaram and other major irrigation projects.

Meanwhile, Jagan had gained considerable goodwill until his Padayatra while he took a misstep by partnering with Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s K. Chandrasekhar Rao. This alliance has garnered a lot of negative image for the party and has not gone down well with the people. On the other hand, Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan’s change in election pitch, targeting YSR Congress, BJP and the TRS has come as a pleasant surprise to voters.

Overall, the election pitch is at its peak this campaigning season and every party is eyeing a seat at the hustings. However, subjects such as education and health still need to be a top priority for any party that forms the government.

Author of this article

TEJASWINI PAGADALA is an independent communications consultant. She has previously worked with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office as the Communications Officer where she has written English speeches for the CM, managed English media communication from the CMO and handled social media accounts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and the Gove...